How Your Diet can Affect Your Health

Diet can play a huge role in people’s health. Most people know that they should cut back on the amount of sugar and salt they get in their diet, for example. But there are numerous studies that show how big a role diet can play in a whole host of health issues from headache to insomnia to digestive disorders.

Digestive diseases affect more than 60 million people and lead to more than 51 million doctor and hospital visits every year. While some people have genetic or other issues that cause their digestive problems, most digestive problems are, in one way or another, linked to diet practices. It could be intolerance to lactose or gluten, a food allergy of some kind or just an irritable bowel that flares up due to certain foods. Whatever the reason, a scientific diet that’s prescribed by a doctor or other health professional may be able to cut down and eliminate digestive symptoms.

Another ailment that can be linked to diet is sleep problems, which is estimated to be a problem in up to 70 million adults in the U.S. Drinking too much caffeine in the evening is one diet practice that has been shown to affect sleep. However, there are other foods and drink that can help or hinder sleep. Treatment for these sleep problems could be a scientific diet.

Diet also has been linked to headaches. Caffeine and alcohol both can play a role in causing headaches. High-protein foods have tyramine in them, which can cause headaches in some people. Sulfites, which are in a lot of processed foods, also have been linked to headaches. Nitrates and nitrites, citrus fruits, MSG and aspartame are among the foods and substances that have been linked to headaches in some people. Natural ways to cure a headache may include diet modification to remove foods that may be a headache trigger.

With so many ways that food can have an effect on your health, it can be difficult to know what to eat and what not to eat. You basically just need to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and if you experience any health issues that may be caused by food, try to pinpoint the culprit and eliminate it. Leading a healthier life may be enough to cure your ailments. But if it isn’t, you should see a doctor or other health professional to determine if a scientific diet can help you.